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CHAPTER EIGHT

“ H e really is quite a precious little boy.”

Anna agreed with her sister, smiling down on Nicholas as he reached out for Leah who cradled him in her arms.

“He is. I cannot imagine how anyone would want to abandon this adorable bundle of delight.” Anna sighed, reaching out to gently run her fingers through the soft curls of his hair. “When he’s not keeping me up at the most ungodly hours.”

Leah chuckled, letting Nicholas hold onto one of her fingers, cooing at the way his entire hand wrapped around it.

“Infants are always like that. When Dahlia was around his age — even younger, there was hardly a moment when she wasn’t crying.

I’ve come to simply understand that they’re as lost as we are about their own existence.

It will take a while for them to learn how to regulate all their emotions and thoughts into words but due to their fragile state, the slightest discomfort could lead to tears.

Be careful what you feed him. He is big enough for solids but still young enough that anything small could choke him.

And bear in mind; they are rather sensitive about temperatures.

When the weather is warm, keep us dressed in soft garments made of light materials.

If there is even the slightest chill in the air, ensure that he is covered properly, lest he catch his death of cold.

“His room should be warm and quiet. Babies don’t like loud noises, so you should ensure that the surroundings around him are always peaceful.

He should also be baptized. I understand that since he is not yours, you might not feel obligated to do this, but since he will be in your care, living under your roof, it would be best if this is done.

And you should also hire a wet nurse for him.

A child needs to be breastfed properly until he is of the age where he can eat more solids. ”

Anna nodded with rapt attention, trying to commit all that her sister had said to memory.

Once Leah had seen him, she had stated that Nicholas looked rather healthy and well, and told Anna that she had done a remarkable job looking after the child.

“How does your husband really feel about this… strange turn of events?” Leah asked carefully, smiling as Nicholas let go of her hand and reached for her face instead. “I’m sure he had been less than thrilled to have an infant of unknown origins within his home.”

Anna hesitated for a moment, thinking of how Julian had denied her accusations each time, annoyed when she recalled how dismissive he had been during breakfast.

“Well… he has been irritated by it all. And rather self-centered, but he has prioritized Nicholas’ care.

I thought — I feared the child might be his.

He was away for so long and I have no idea what sort of life he lived while we were apart.

However, he has been adamant in his claims that he wasn’t unfaithful.

However, there is something strange. I feel as though he is not being completely truthful and I don’t know why.

It is as though he is hiding something from me.

Things are already complicated enough with dealing with a child I didn’t bear.

I would simply like to focus on Nicholas.

” Anna told her sister, feeling slightly bereft.

Leah lightly ran her fingertips over Nicholas’ cheeks, grinning when he laughed, the garbled sound seemingly resonating around the room.

“Marriage is always a tricky affair. And in a situation as unique as yours, tensions are bound to run high. Just be honest, about how you feel. If he is a gracious and kind man, he will listen to you.” Leah replied gently, handing Nicholas over to her gently.

While Anna might not outright call her husband any of those things, he had shown such sides recently and she knew that perhaps, they could coexist somewhat peacefully.

Although… Anna was not sure what that peace would look like when she still recalled the fiery kiss they had shared and spent far too much time wanting to do it again. A dangerous idea she couldn’t allow to take root in her head.

“I will keep that in mind. Thank you, sister.” Anna said sincerely.

Leah nodded, smiling proudly when Nicholas nuzzled closer to Anna’s chest when she cradled him towards her.

“Like I said before, I am of the firm belief that you are a wonderful guardian to this child already. He would not cling to you like this otherwise. Trust yourself more. I do have the names of some nursemaids that you could hire to look after him. They have good reputations and can be trusted to be discreet. I believe I do not need to tell you what might happen if anyone with poor intentions gets a wind of this.” Leah pointed out.

“I am aware. I will be careful.” Anna promised.

Shortly after, Leah said her farewell, stating that she needed to return to her daughter and husband, offering some hugs and kisses to Anna and Nicholas on her way out.

“If you need anything — anything at all, do not hesitate to let me know. If you send for me, I will be here as soon as I can.” Leah assured, holding one of her hands.

“I know. Thank you, dear sister.” Anna replied gratefully.

Leah gave her one last smile and left, climbing into her carriage with the help of a footman. Anna waited by the door just until her sister’s carriage had rolled out of sight and then she turned around to head back into the house.

Only for the sound of hooves along the path that led up to the house to catch her attention. She faced the pathway once more, her breath catching when she spotted her husband’s carriage coming towards the house.

Her feet felt rooted to the spot, and she watched him draw closer and closer, unable to move as the carriage finally came to a stop. Shortly after, her husband stepped out, took two steps towards the house and stopped at the sight of her.

For a moment, neither of them said anything. Then Anna moved away from the doorstep, further into the foyer so he could come in. Moments later, he passed the threshold and shut the door behind him.

“Duchess,” Julian nodded, in lieu of greeting.

“Your Grace… Welcome home.”

“Thank you,” he replied, regarding her with a strange expression.

Anna cleared her throat and held out a folded piece of paper to him.

“My sister was here earlier and she recommended some nursemaids we could consider hiring to care for Nicholas.”

“Ah,” he nodded, his fingers brushing against hers as he collected the piece of paper, the action sending shivers down her spine. “I will look into it. Since we did not have much luck searching for one on our end, we will simply contact the people on this list and set up an interview.”

“Y-Yes. That sounds like a fine idea.” Anna nodded, clearing her throat.

Neither of them said anything after that and the silence made the air between them coarse and thick. Anna kept her gaze lowered, unable to look at him directly because she feared the sight of him would weaken her knees even further.

She could feel his gaze on her though, heavily running along the lines of her body silently and heat filled her cheeks as she tried not to squirm, as she wondered why he was still —

“Have you had something to eat this afternoon?”

Anna stared up at him, unsure she had heard incorrectly. But he stared back expectantly, clearly waiting for a response.

“I did,” she said finally. “I had a meal with my sister before she left.”

The duke nodded but before Anna could inquire about why he had asked, he nodded and walked away.

And Anna was left standing in the foyer, confused and at a loss for words.

The next day, Anna was tending to Nicholas after his meal when Ernest came to inform her that one of the nursemaids her sister had recommended had arrived at the estate.

“Already?” Anna blinked in surprise, not expecting that her husband would have kept his word.

“Yes, Your Grace. His Grace would like to know if you wish to interview her or if you would prefer, I do the honors.” The butler replied.

Anna only hesitated for a moment before she spoke up, “I’ll do it. Let her wait for me, I shall be out shortly.”

Ernest nodded and bowed. “Right away, Your Grace.”

When the butler left, Anna looked down at Nicholas who was watching her already, his blue eyes sparkling with curiosity.

“I shall return, my darling.” She promised softly.

Nicholas seemed to understand her words and he let out one of his high-pitched giggles, reaching out to press a hand to her cheek.

Anna felt a strange tug on her heart and she couldn’t help but lean forward to press kisses to his cheeks. His joyous laughter set her heart alight and she hugged him close.

“I give you my word, I will be by your side again very soon.

Carefully, she handed him to Gretchen who smiled down at the little and teased,

“I might not be as lovely as the duchess, but I am pleasant enough company.”

Nicholas seemed to disagree because he let out a grumpy sound, much to the disappointment of the maid. Anna laughed, rising to her feet as she said,

“Take good care of him. Remember —”

“Be gentle, careful and quiet. Do not worry, Your Grace. He’s in good hands.” Gretchen assured.

Anna nodded and after one last look at the infant before she left the room. Ernest was waiting outside to guide to where the guest was waiting and before the opened the door to the drawing room, Anna turned to the butler and asked,

“What is she like?”

Ernest though about it for a moment and replied simply, “Eager.”

Then he opened the door and announced,

“The Duchess of Morland.”

Almost immediately, the woman inside practically leapt to her feet and bowed.

“Your Grace! Oh goodness, it is an honor to be in your presence!”

Anna forced a bright smile, nodding slowly.

“I’m please to meet you, Miss?—”

“Oh! Katherine! Katherine Johnson. Your Grace.” The woman smiled.

“Miss Katherine. Thank you for coming on such short notice.” Anna told her softly.